On today’s show we speak with Andrew Allison, Chair of Austinites for Progressive Reform. He and Bingham Group CEO A.J. dive into what the group's charter amendments, particularly moving to a strong mayor system, could mean for Austin.

This episode is part of a two part series on the Austin strong mayor debate.

Also check out BG Podcast 124: Shifting to a Strong Mayor System with Austinites for Progressive Reform -> https://soundcloud.com/the-bingham-group-llc/episode124

BACKGROUND

In July 2020, Austinites for Progressive Reform launched calling for four reforms, including adopting a mayor-council form of government, i.e. a strong mayor system. This would transfer the city manager’s duties to the mayor.

The city of Austin is currently run under a council-manager system, with power and authority to set policy resting with the city council. The council in turn hires a nonpartisan manager who runs the city (including hiring and firing personnell). The city of Houston is the only major Texas city with a strong mayor system.

On Monday, January 11th, Austinites for Progressive Reform filed 24,000 signatures for four city charter amendments (Austin’s constitution). A certification by the City Clerk would then trigger May 1 election.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AUSTINITES FOR PROGRESSIVE REFORM

Austinites for Progressive Reform (website): https://www.austinprogress.org/

Austinites for Progressive Reform (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/austinitesforprogressivereform

Twitter: @austindemocracy

Instagram: @austindemocracy

RELATED EPISODE

BG Podcast Episode 110: Discussing City Governments with Professor Sherri Greenberg, LBJ School of Public Affairs -> https://www.bgmediagp.com/bgpodcast/episode110

ABOUT THE BINGHAM GROUP, LLC

The Bingham Group, LLC is minority-owned full service lobbying firm representing and advising clients on government affairs, public affairs, and procurement matters in the Austin metro and throughout Central Texas.

Learn more about us at: https://www.binghamgp.com

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